Beyoncé Honors Late Uncle Who Had HIV In Emotional GLAAD Awards Speech

posted by Peyton Blakemore -
Mar 29, 2019

Beyoncé delivered an emotional and powerful speech after being honored for her continued promotion of equal rights for the LGBTQ community.

On Thursday (March 28) the legendary songstress and her husband JAY-Z were honored with the Vanguard Award for their advocacy of the LGBTQ community at the 2019 GLAAD Media Awards. While accepting their award Bey took a moment to honor her late uncle, who she revealed died from complications related to HIV.

"We’re here to promote love for every human being, and change starts with supporting the people closest to you," the "Everything is Love" singer began. "So let’s tell them they are loved, let’s remind them they are beautiful, let’s speak out and protect them, and parents — let’s love our kids in our truest form."

"I want to dedicate this award to my uncle Johnny, the most fabulous gay man I have ever known, who helped raise me and my sister," she shared. "He lived his truth and he was brave and unapologetic at a time when this country wasn’t as accepting."

"Witnessing his battle with HIV was one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever lived," Bey continued through tears as JAY put his hand on her back. "I’m hopeful that his struggle served to open pathways for other young people to live more freely. LGBTQI rights are human rights."

Later, JAY honored his mother, Gloria Carter, who received JAY's GLAAD Special Recognition Award on his behalf last year for his song "Smile," which featured Gloria discussing how she chose to open about being a lesbian after years of "living in the shadows."

"I want to honor my mother, who received the award last year," the 49-year-old rapper said Thursday night. "I get to follow in her footsteps of spreading love and acceptance and her beautiful speech at the end of the song 'Smile' and for her allowing me to tell her story."